The adoption of Christianity by Russia determined the historical and cultural development of Russia. Various Orthodox celebrations dedicated to the most important evangelical narratives, as well as memories of historically significant events for an Orthodox person, events that took place not only in Russia, but also in the Byzantine Empire, from where the light of Orthodoxy came to our state, began to acquire a special place in the life and consciousness of the people.
Currently in the Orthodox Church there is a division of holidays according to the degree of significance and solemnity. The main Orthodox celebrations are called the twelve holidays, so named in proportion to the number of the latter in the calendar year. There are also the so-called great Orthodox holidays, which are also celebrated by the Church with special solemnity and splendor. However, the main celebration of the Orthodox Church is the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, also called the Lord's Easter.
The event of the resurrection of Christ is a fundamental moment in the faith of an Orthodox person. The Holy Scriptures of the New Testament repeatedly speaks of the importance and reality of the resurrection of Christ. The Apostle Paul even proclaims to people that if Christ is not resurrected, then all Christian hope is in vain, and the Orthodox faith is also in vain. In the event of the resurrection of Christ, the Church testifies to the world about the victory of life over death, good over evil. The feast of Easter of Christ has found its reflection in the cultural life of the Russian people. So, on this day, festive treats were always prepared (Great Lent ended for the feast of the Resurrection of Christ). An integral part of the table, as at present, were painted eggs, Easter cakes and Easter.
Among the great twelve Orthodox holidays, the day of the Nativity of the Lord Jesus Christ (January 7) stands out. The significance of the birth of the Savior of the world still cannot be overestimated, because according to the teachings of the Church, it was through the Incarnation that man was saved and the latter was reconciled with God. Historically, in Russia, the celebration of the Nativity of Christ found its reflection in certain folk festivals, called Christmastide. People went to visit each other and sang songs glorifying the born infant Christ. The emerging practice of decorating a fir tree for this holiday and crowning the top of the tree with a star testified to the Gospel story of how the star led the wise men from the East to the birthplace of the Savior. Later, in Soviet times, the spruce became an attribute of the secular New Year, and the star symbolized not the Star of Bethlehem, but a symbol of Soviet power.
Another significant holiday of the Orthodox calendar is the day of the Baptism of Jesus Christ in Jordan (January 19th). On this day, water is blessed in Orthodox churches, for which millions of believers come every year. The historical significance of this celebration for the people's consciousness is reflected in the practice of dipping into the baptismal hole. In many cities of Russia, special fonts (Jordan) are being prepared, into which, after a prayer service for water, people plunge with reverence, asking God for health of soul and body.
Another important holiday of the Orthodox Church is the Day of the Holy Trinity (Pentecost). This holiday is celebrated on the fiftieth day after Easter. The people call this celebration differently "green Easter". This naming was a consequence of the folk tradition of decorating churches with greenery on the feast of the Holy Trinity. Sometimes the Orthodox practice of commemorating the dead is mistakenly associated with this day, but historically, according to church instructions, the deceased are commemorated on the eve of Pentecost - on Trinity parental Saturday, and the holiday of the Holy Trinity itself is not the day of the dead, but the triumph of the living.
Among the widespread traditions of Russian culture associated with Orthodox holidays, one can note the consecration of willow and willow branches for the twelveth celebration of the Lord's Entry into Jerusalem. The Gospel testifies that before the Savior entered Jerusalem, directly to perform the feat of the cross, people greeted Christ with the branches of palm trees. Such honors were offered to ancient rulers. The miracles of Jesus and his preaching aroused special love and reverence for Christ among the ordinary Jewish people. In Russia, in memory of this historical event, branches of willow and willow are consecrated (in the absence of palm trees in most cases).
The Mother of God feasts occupy a special place in the church calendar. For example, the day of the Nativity of the Mother of God, the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos, the Dormition of the Mother of God. Special reverence for these days was expressed in the postponement of all worldly vanity and the desire to devote the day to God. It is no coincidence that in Russian culture there is an expression: "On the day of the Annunciation, the bird does not build a nest, and the maiden does not weave braids."
Many great Orthodox holidays have found their reflection not only in folk traditions, but also in architecture. So, in Russia, many churches have been erected, which are historical monuments, consecrated in honor of the great Christian holidays. Many Russian Dormition Cathedrals (in honor of the Dormition of the Theotokos), Nativity of Christ churches, Holy Introduction churches, Intercession churches and many others are known.
